Back2Nature Childcare is a home-based childcare service in Tikipunga, Whangārei, built around outdoor learning. The service is licensed by the Ministry of Education, and it is run by educators who are assessed before they start. It serves Whangārei and the wider area, including Mangawhai, Dargaville and the Bay of Islands.
Children spend much of the day outside. The nature play programme takes them to a farm, the beach and the bush, and educators take children to nature areas each week. On rainy days the programme shifts to baking, art, dancing, gymnastics and library visits. The service also runs playgroups, music and movement sessions, and kapa haka. The children perform for local schools and retirement homes.
Mixed-age groups are used, so younger children learn from older ones. The lead educator, Jenny, has more than 29 years of experience in early childhood education, and her approach is to build foundation skills for life rather than getting children ready for school.
The service is at 52 Denby Crescent, Tikipunga.
Our pick in Tikipunga for a family who want a childcare that spends its days outdoors, in all weather.